Fungal infections of the gastrointestinal tract in the immunocompromised host: an update.

Abstract

Fungal infections are one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The incidence of invasive fungal infections, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, has increased significantly as numbers of immunocompromised patients have increased. The diagnosis of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients may be particularly problematic as these patients may present with atypical clinical features. Although Candida and Aspergillus species represent the majority of fungi diagnosed in the immunocompromised patient population, other fungi are emerging as increasingly common pathogens, and this review will focus on several important emerging fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.